The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine’s (WVSOM) student chapter of the American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians (ACOPEDS) is preparing to host its fourth annual Kids Science Carnival.

The event, which takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Mar. 16, at WVSOM’s Roland P. Sharp Alumni Conference Center in Lewisburg, will provide hands-on learning for children of all ages. There is no cost to attend.

Kids will have an opportunity to view a model of a blood vessel constructed from water beads, ping pong balls and paper, and will find out how to make their own slime. Children will learn about cells using cookies, frosting and decorations to demonstrate organelles, which are structures within cells that serve particular functions.

A station will be set up that includes X-rays, an anatomy puzzle and stethoscopes through which kids can listen to a teddy bear’s simulated heartbeat.

Brandon Smyth, vice president of WVSOM’s ACOPEDS student chapter, said the goal of the event is to show kids that science can be fun and interactive.

“We give them real-life examples of how science can be helpful and important to our lives,” Smyth said. “Exposing children to science early can stimulate their minds to think outside the box.”

Parents who wish to register their children should email Mark VanBuren at mvanburen@osteo.wvsom.edu and include each child’s name and age. The registration deadline is Wednesday, Mar. 13.